Shanghai Study Trip - Frequently Asked Questions

Thanks for your interest in our Shanghai study trip! Whilst it’s a fully guided study trip, we’re sure you’ll have many questions for the team. Please see below for information in regards to Visas, accommodation, payment and more. If your question isn’t shown below, please use the contact form to get in touch.

General questions

Am I eligible for this trip?

We welcome people from a variety medical backgrounds to join us on our trip. We have had many different professions (acupuncturists, physiotherapists, GPs etc) joining us on our study trip.

Can we pay in installments?

Yes of course you can. We charge a 15% deposit which is non-refundable after the 14 day refund period. You can pay in 3 installments according to the payment plan on the course page. Please request an enrolment form from our administrator: office@phoenixmd.co.uk

What date does the final payment need to be made?

The date for when the final payment is due is usually 10 weeks before the trip takes place.

In case of any emergencies while I am over in Shanghai who is our emergency contact?

Professor Zhang would be your point of call in an emergency. There are also English speaking staff at the Shanghai University. We would provide these numbers prior to the trip.

What is included in the overall amount? What isn’t included?

Tuition fees and accommodation are included in the overall fee. Flights, meals and any other expenses (e.g. souvenirs etc) are not included. We will host a farewell dinner party at the end of the program, which is included.

Where can we eat? Is it very expensive to eat over there?

You can either eat at the University or you can venture out into Shanghai. It is fairly cheap to eat over in Shanghai – roughly £20 – £30 per day.

Can we record / video / tape the sessions?

You will be able to record some of the sessions, but please make sure you ask the host or supervisor for permission before doing so.

What is the dress code for attending the University?

Smart casual with comfortable walking shoes, as we will be visiting various areas of the university and affiliated hospitals.

How much cash can you take into China?

On the embassy website it states a maximum of £2,000 cash can be taken into China. For eating and traveling, you will need around 3,000-5,000RMB (£300-£500). If you would like to sight-see or buy any souvenirs then you may bring some extra cash as well as credit cards.

Is there a secure locker to put our items in whilst at the University?

No, there are no lockers available but the hotel rooms are secure. We advise that you bring a small notebook and writing materials along with you.

Where can I find the schedule?

We will publish the itinerary closer to the time, please get in touch with the team if there are particular topics you want to study.

I live overseas, can I join the trip?

As long as you have the relevant medical background then yes, of course! You can join the course for the whole two weeks or you can attend a shorter trip if that suits you. Please get in touch with the team and we will adjust the cost for a shorter trip.

Will anyone be there to meet us at the airport?

We do endeavour to make the trip as smooth as possible for the students, especially as it will be the first time visiting the country for most of the group. This will be done on the basis that the majority of students arrive around the same time. If you arrive before or after the study trip commences, we will be unable to offer this option, however we will guide you on transport to the University.

Is it single or shared accommodation?

The overall fee is for shared accommodation. If you would like a single room, there is an extra supplementary cost which is £250 for the whole trip.

Is it safe to go out in Shanghai?

Shanghai is a fairly safe city but however there are a few areas to be wary of. Areas of greatest concern are the foreigner targeted hotspots such as Mao Ming Road and Ju Le Road. These areas can be a bit more risky late at night when late night establishments close around 2AM.

Like most large cities pick pocketing is a fairly big issue. Being aware of your surroundings is key when walking around the city especially outdoor shopping areas. Police and security are highly visible in navy uniforms in the city. They can be reached in an emergency by dialing 110. The pedestrian area of Nanjing Road is the area where tourists should take the most caution, especially on the edges by the intersection with Henan Road, and the intersection with Xizang (Tibet) Road.

When crossing streets please be aware of the traffic. Traffic over in Shanghai is very different to that what you are accustomed to in the UK.

I’d prefer to arrange my own accommodation, is this okay?

If you’d prefer to arrange to stay in your own accommodation, please notify us of these arrangements and we will deduct the accommodation fee (around £250 at the moment) from the overall amount.

Which airline do you recommend?

Our recommended Airline is China Eastern Airlines. It is not imperative that you go with our chosen airline.

Can I just attend part of the trip, e.g. the first week/second week? If so how much is it?

Yes, you can. Please get in touch with the team and we’ll confirm the price with you in accordance with your requirements.

Questions about Visas

How to apply for the visa?

When applying for a visa do we apply as a tourist or as a student/study visa?

You will need to apply as a visiting/tourist visa. Even if you are visiting longer than the 2 week study period you will still apply for that type of visa. You will receive a invitation letter from the university confirming what you will be visiting the country for. You will need to give a reason for your visit when you apply for the visa.

Do I need to make an appointment to apply for a visa at the Visa Centre?

It is compulsory to make an appointment before you visit the Visa Centre to submit your application. You will not be able to see anyone without one. Please click the following link to book an appointment: http://www.visaforchina.org

Where can I get the application form?

Is there an express service for postal applications?

No, unfortunately there isn’t. It typically takes two weeks to process a postal application if all the documents meets the requirements.

How long does it take to process a visa if I submit my application at the Visa Centre in person?

Regular Service – The processing time is usually 4 working days.

Express Service – The processing time is usually 3 working days.

*Please note that all these times are an estimate and they are based on the accompanying documents meeting the requirements.

How long does it take to process a visa if I submit my application via postal service?

If you are submitting your visa via post it is usually 10 working days. Make sure you allow for plenty of time before your trip. Please note that there is not an express service if you choose this method.

*Please note that all these times are an estimate and they are based on the accompanying documents meeting the requirements.

How long before my trip should I apply for a visa?

It is advisable that you apply for your visa at least one month before your intended flight date, but no earlier than three months. Chinese visas, typically, are valid for three months – therefore if you apply to early your visa may expire before even arriving in the country.

*Please note that these time limits are only an estimate.

Is there an express service for postal applications?

No, unfortunately there isn’t. It typically takes two weeks to process a postal application if all the documents meets the requirements.

Can I apply for a visa online?

You can fill in the application form online and print it out but unfortunately you cannot apply for a visa through the internet currently. You need to submit all the required application documents to the Visa Centre and then the Visa Centre staff will handle your application.

Is it permitted for someone else to submit my application to the Visa Centre on my behalf?

Generally speaking, you should submit your application in person and collect your passport with an issued visa. If certain circumstances, i.e. illness, prevents you from doing so then you may entrust someone else to do it for you – providing all the relevant paperwork has been filled out correctly and the application form has been signed.

What should I do if I find the visa issued on my passport is wrong?

If you find mistakes on your visa after you have left the Visa Centre, please contact Visa Centre immediately and follow the instructions given to you.

Can I make an appointment, change or cancel my appointment online?

Yes, you can. Please click on the relevant link below in order to do so.